Nashpati (pear) is an excellent first food for babies starting solids at 6 months! It's naturally sweet, easy to digest, gentle on baby's tummy, and rarely causes allergies. Pear puree is perfect for constipation relief (pet saaf karne ke liye) - a common concern when babies start solids. This guide shows you exactly how to make simple, nutritious pear puree at home.
Why Pears Are Great for Babies
Watch: Solid Food Introduction for Babies: Complete Guide to Starting Solids at 6 Months! #solidstarts
Nutritional Benefits
Nutrient
Benefit for Baby
Fiber
Helps with constipation (very common when starting solids)
Vitamin C
Boosts immunity, helps iron absorption
Potassium
Supports heart and muscle function
Vitamin K
Important for bone health
Antioxidants
Protects cells
Why Indian Parents Love Pears
Nashpati is widely available in Indian markets
Naturally sweet - no added sugar needed
Gentle on tummy - rarely causes gas or allergies
Great for constipation - important when introducing solids
Low acidity - good for babies with reflux
Affordable - especially during winter season
When to Introduce Pear
Start at 6 months when beginning solids
Excellent first fruit alongside banana, apple, chiku
Safe to give before introducing common allergens
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Pear Puree
Ingredients
1 ripe pear (nashpati)
Water for steaming
Optional: Pinch of cinnamon (dalchini) for babies 8+ months
Step 1: Choose and Prepare the Pear
Selecting the right pear:
Choose ripe but not overripe pear
Should give slightly when pressed
No bruises or soft spots
Bartlett or any sweet variety works
Preparation:
Wash pear thoroughly under running water
Peel the skin (use peeler or knife)
Cut in half and remove core and seeds
Cut into small cubes
Step 2: Cook the Pear
Steaming Method (Best - preserves nutrients):
Add water to steamer/idli maker
Place pear pieces in steaming tray
Steam for 8-10 minutes until soft
Check with fork - should pierce easily
Boiling Method (Alternative):
Add pear pieces to small pan
Add just enough water to cover
Boil for 8-10 minutes until soft
Save the cooking water for blending
Pressure Cooker Method (Quick):
Add pear pieces with 1/4 cup water
Cook for 1-2 whistles
Let pressure release naturally
Step 3: Puree to Desired Consistency
For 6-7 months (smooth puree):
Blend steamed pear until completely smooth
Add breast milk, formula, or cooled boiled water to thin
Strain if needed for very smooth texture
For 8-9 months (thick puree):
Mash with fork instead of blending
Leave some soft chunks for texture practice
No need to strain
For 10+ months (finger food):
Offer soft steamed chunks as finger food
Supervise while eating
Great for developing chewing skills
Step 4: Serve and Store
Serving:
Let cool to room temperature or slightly warm
Test temperature on your wrist before feeding
Start with 1-2 teaspoons and increase gradually
Storage:
Refrigerator: 2-3 days in airtight container
Freezer: Up to 1 month in ice cube trays
Thaw frozen cubes in refrigerator overnight or warm water bath
Delicious Pear Combinations
Once baby is comfortable with plain pear, try these combinations:
For 7+ Months
Pear + Banana: Sweet and creamy
Pear + Apple: Classic combination
Pear + Rice cereal: More filling
For 8+ Months
Pear + Oats: Great for breakfast
Pear + Curd: Probiotic boost
Pear + Ragi: Iron-rich combo
Pear + Chiku (sapodilla): Very desi!
For 9+ Months
Pear + Paneer: Protein addition
Pear + Dry fruit powder: Nutritious
Pear + Cinnamon: Warming flavor
Tips for Success
Choose ripe pears - Unripe pears are too hard and may cause tummy upset
Don't add sugar - Pears are naturally sweet
Start small - Begin with 1-2 teaspoons and watch for reactions
Mix with familiar foods - If baby hesitates, mix with breast milk or already-accepted food
Giving raw pear too early - Cook until 8+ months for easier digestion
Making too much - Fresh puree is best; make small batches
Storing too long - Refrigerated puree should be used within 2-3 days
Reheating multiple times - Heat only the portion you'll use
Adding honey - Never give honey to babies under 1 year
Not watching for choking - Always supervise, especially with chunks
Signs of Pear Allergy (Rare)
Watch for these within 2 hours of eating (very uncommon with pears):
Rash or hives
Swelling around mouth
Vomiting or diarrhea
Difficulty breathing (emergency - call doctor immediately)
3-day rule: When introducing pear (or any new food), give only pear for 3 days before introducing another new food. This helps identify any reactions.
When to Seek Help
Consult your pediatrician if:
Baby has severe constipation despite pear and other fiber-rich foods
Any signs of allergic reaction
Baby consistently refuses pears or purees
Concerns about introducing solids
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Nashpati ka chilka utarna zaruri hai?
A: Yes, for babies under 8-9 months, always peel the pear. The skin can be hard to digest and is a choking hazard. For older babies (10+ months) who can chew well, you can leave thin skin on ripe pears, but always supervise.
Q: Can pear cause loose motions?
A: Pear actually helps with constipation due to its fiber content, which is a good thing when starting solids! It should not cause loose motions in normal amounts. If baby has very frequent watery stools, reduce quantity and consult doctor.
Q: Raw pear de sakte hain?
A: Wait until baby is 8+ months and can manage soft textures. Give ripe, soft pear cut into safe shapes. For younger babies, always steam or cook pear first. Raw fruit is harder to digest for new eaters.
Q: Pear puree ko formula ya breastmilk mein mix kar sakte hain?
A: Yes! Adding breast milk or formula to puree is a great way to make it familiar and more nutritious. This can help hesitant babies accept new foods. For best nutrition, add breast milk after cooking (don't cook breast milk).
Q: How much pear can I give my 6-month-old?
A: Start with 1-2 teaspoons once daily. Gradually increase to 2-3 tablespoons per serving over a few weeks. At 6 months, solid food is for practice - maa ka doodh or formula remains the main nutrition source.
Q: Winter mein pear nahi milta - alternative kya hai?
A: When pears aren't in season, try these similar-benefit fruits: apple (seb), chiku (sapodilla), banana (kela), or papita (papaya). You can also use frozen pear puree that you prepared during pear season.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Always introduce new foods one at a time and watch for any reactions.
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